NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Lipscomb University Director of Cross Country and Track & Field, Bill Taylor, has announced the addition of former Bison Benton Reed to his coaching staff. Reed will serve as an assistant coach and as the program operations coordinator.

Reed’s coaching duties will include cross country and track & field, with his primary focus being the development of the men’s distance runners. He will be the primary recruiter for the men’s cross country and distance athletes.

Coach Reed competed for Lipscomb Cross Country and Track & Field from 2008-2012. He served as a team captain for two years and qualified for the Atlantic Sun Championships multiple times.

In 2012-13 Coach Reed served as an assistant coach at The College of the South, a Division III university. In that role he assisted with coaching and recruiting distance runners and helped bring in one of the best recruiting classes in school history.

This past summer Reed married Lipscomb Cross Country and Track alumna Emily Longden. The couple moved back to Nashville, and Benton joined the Lipscomb Cross Country and Track programs as a volunteer assistant coach.

Taylor said, "We are really excited that Benton is here and was able to step into the position immediately. Benton is an incredible person and a very hard worker. He is a young coach with good experience, tons of potential and a huge desire to learn all he can. Being an alumnus, he knows our culture, understands our philosophy and wants to help Lipscomb reach the highest levels of success. He is a terrific fit and will do an incredible job here. I look forward to working with Benton, as we continue to build upon the success we have already had, and take the program to the top of the nation."

It was also announced that Jeremy Brading has joined the program as a volunteer assistant coach working with the pole vaulters.

“Jeremy is a great person and a huge asset as we develop our athletes in the pole vault. We have been growing in the vault and are rather young. His expertise and influence will make a huge impact.”

One additional coaching staff announcement was made. Assistant Coach Luke Syverson will take on the duties and title of recruiting coordinator.